Audio, computer and video component case and methods of production

ABSTRACT

Audio, computer and video component cases have been developed that comprise: a) a lower box component having an open top, at least two side panels, a back panel, a front panel and a bottom panel, wherein the bottom panel is coupled with at least one of the at least two side panels, the back panel, the front panel or a combination thereof; b) an upper box component having an open bottom, at least two side panels, a back panel, a front panel and a top panel, wherein the top panel is coupled with at least one of the at least two side panels, the back panel, the front panel or a combination thereof; c) a platform for supporting an audio component, computer component, video component or a combination thereof, wherein the platform comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the platform is coupled to the lower box, the upper box or a combination thereof and wherein the platform is hingeably movable to expose the lower surface of the platform; and d) at least one latch assembly comprising a latch and a latch receptacle, wherein the latch assembly is coupled to the lower box, the upper box or a combination thereof.

FIELD OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

The field of the subject matter is a case for housing and accessing audio, computer and video components, their related accessories and cables, along with methods of production of the contemplated cases.

BACKGROUND

Disc jockeys (also referred to as “DJs”), musicians, programmers and technicians are always looking for equipment cases that can function as strong, stable transport cases for the equipment, while at the same time functioning as stands, support and temporary platforms for that same equipment during operation and performances. Conventional cases are generally square or rectangular in shape, padded or carpeted on the inside and able to lock when the equipment is stored.

There are several styles of cases on the market today, including those sold by Genesis (ST-17A) and Odyssey Designs (SS-1702 DJ). Both of these designs suffer from having a single point of contact between the upper part of the case and the lower part of the case, where the upper part of the case moves separate from the lower part of the case to expose the inside of the case and providing a single, fixed operating position.

A platform and multiple box case has been developed by Hsaio and Montano, Inc. and is described in US Patent Publication 2007/0170181. These cases have a sliding assembly on the side of the case where the component platform can slide back and forth along slanted panels fixed inside the bottom of the case. There are several problems with this design, including the introduction of a number of working pieces. For example, the platform is slideably attached to a set of slanted supports. The sliding members on each side are susceptible to dirt, humidity and breakage. Once the sliding members fail, it is difficult to move the platform in order to expose the bottom of the inside of the case. In addition, there's no versatility in the platform arrangement—meaning that the platform is on the same angle as the supports. If the supports are slanted, then the platform will move back and forth on an angle. If the supports are level, then the platform will move back and forth in a level plane. However, there is no embodiment that allows the platform to be on an angle in one instance and level in another instance.

Therefore, it would be ideal to have an audio, computer and video component case that would a) allow the user to have a slanted platform for some applications and a level platform for other uses, b) allow the user to access the bottom of the case for storage or for additional components, c) be durable and sturdy for packing, unpacking and transporting the components, d) be versatile enough to allow the same transport case to be used as the support and housing for the components during use or performances, and e) allow the user to expand the case during use to include side platforms and supports.

SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT MATTER

Audio, computer and video component cases have been developed that comprise: a) a lower box component having an open top, at least two side panels, a back panel, a front panel and a bottom panel, wherein the bottom panel is coupled with at least one of the at least two side panels, the back panel, the front panel or a combination thereof; b) an upper box component having an open bottom, at least two side panels, a back panel, a front panel and a top panel, wherein the top panel is coupled with at least one of the at least two side panels, the back panel, the front panel or a combination thereof; c) a platform for supporting an audio component, computer component, video component or a combination thereof, wherein the platform comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the platform is coupled to the lower box, the upper box or a combination thereof and wherein the platform is hingeably movable to expose the lower surface of the platform; and d) at least one latch assembly comprising a latch and a latch receptacle, wherein the latch assembly is coupled to the lower box, the upper box or a combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case with the upper box component removed and showing the platform.

FIG. 3 shows a partial front view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case, where the upper box component is removed and the upper surface of the platform is shown, along with the hinge device.

FIG. 4 shows a partial front view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case, where the upper box component is removed and the bottom surface of the platform is shown, along with the hinge device.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case, where the upper box component is removed and the front panel is removed exposing the inside of the case. The upper surface of the platform is shown, along with the hinge device.

FIG. 6 shows a partial front view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case, where the upper box component is removed and the bottom surface of the platform is shown, along with the hinge device. Also, a computer/laptop component is sitting on the lower surface of the platform and an audio mixer is located inside the lower box component.

FIG. 7 shows a partial and exploded front view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case, where the upper box component is removed and a portion of the lower surface of the platform is shown, along with the hinge device.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case.

FIG. 9 shows a back view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case.

FIG. 10 shows another contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case. In this embodiment, there are 3 sections in the lower box component, wherein the 3 sections are formed by utilizing 2 dividers. The upper surface of the platform is shown. The upper box component is not shown.

FIG. 11 shows another contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case. In this embodiment, there are 3 sections in the lower box component, wherein the 3 sections are formed by utilizing 2 dividers. The lower surface of the platform is shown, as the platform is in transition from the original position to the open position. The upper box component is not shown.

FIG. 12 shows another contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case. In this embodiment, there are 3 sections in the lower box component, wherein the 3 sections are formed by utilizing 2 dividers. The lower surface of the platform is shown, as the platform is in the open position. The upper box component is not shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Surprisingly, an audio, computer and video component case has been developed that a) allows the user to have a slanted platform for some applications and a level platform for other uses, b) allows the user to access the bottom of the case for storage or for additional components, c) is durable and sturdy for packing, unpacking and transporting the components, d) is versatile enough to allow the same transport case to be used as the support and housing for the components during use or performances, and e) allows the user to expand the case during use to include side platforms and supports.

Specifically, an audio, computer and video component case has been developed that comprises: a) a lower box component having an open top, at least two side panels, a back panel, a front panel and a bottom panel, wherein the bottom panel is coupled with at least one of the at least two side panels, the back panel, the front panel or a combination thereof; b) an upper box component having an open bottom, at least two side panels, a back panel, a front panel and a top panel, wherein the top panel is coupled with at least one of the at least two side panels, the back panel, the front panel or a combination thereof; c) a platform for supporting an audio component, computer component, video component or a combination thereof, wherein the platform comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the platform is coupled to the lower box, the upper box or a combination thereof and wherein the platform is hingeably movable to expose the lower surface of the platform; and d) at least one latch assembly comprising a latch and a latch receptacle, wherein the latch assembly is coupled to the lower box, the upper box or a combination thereof. There are a number of contemplated embodiments that will be discussed in this application.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case 100. In this figure, one can see the front panel 105 of the upper box component 110 and the front panel 115 of the lower box component 120. The top panel 107 of the upper box component 110 is also shown.

FIG. 2 shows a front view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case 200. In this figure, the upper box component is not shown. The lower box component 220 is shown, along with its front panel 215. The upper surface 230 of the platform 240 is shown. The hinge device 250 that connects the platform 240 to the lower box component 220 is also shown. In this embodiment, a support system 260 is also shown that comprises two divider-like supports 265.

FIG. 3 shows a partial front view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case 300. In this figure, the upper box component is not shown. A portion of the lower box component 320 is shown, but in this embodiment, the front panel has been removed and is not shown, thereby exposing the inside of the case 325. The upper surface 330 of the platform 340 is shown. The hinge device 350 that connects the platform 340 to the lower box component 320 is also shown. In this embodiment, a support system 360 is also shown that comprises two divider-like supports 365.

FIG. 4 shows a partial front view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case 400. In this figure, the upper box component is not shown. A portion of the lower box component 420 is shown, but in this embodiment, the front panel has been removed and is not shown, thereby exposing the inside of the case 425. The lower surface 435 of the platform 440 is shown. The hinge device 450 that connects the platform 440 to the lower box component 420 is also shown. In this embodiment, a support system 460 is also shown that comprises two divider-like supports 465. The lower surface 435 of the platform 440 also comprises a brace 437 to keep components (not shown) from sliding forward.

FIG. 5 shows a front view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case 500. In this figure, the upper box component is not shown. A portion of the lower box component 520 is shown, but in this embodiment, the front panel has been removed and is not shown, thereby exposing the inside of the case 525. The upper surface 530 of the platform 540 is shown. The hinge device 550 that connects the platform 540 to the lower box component 520 is also shown. In this embodiment, a support system 560 is also shown that comprises two divider-like supports 565.

FIG. 6 shows a partial front view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case 600. In this figure, the upper box component is not shown. A portion of the lower box component 620 is shown, but in this embodiment, the front panel has been removed and is not shown, thereby exposing the inside of the case 625. The lower surface 635 of the platform 640 is shown. The hinge device 650 that connects the platform 640 to the lower box component 620 is also shown. In this embodiment, a support system 660 is also shown that comprises two divider-like supports 665. The lower surface 635 of the platform 640 also comprises a brace 637 to keep components (not shown) from sliding forward. A laptop computer 670 rests on the platform 640, and a mixer audio system 680 is contained within the inside of the case 625.

FIG. 7 shows a partial and exploded front view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case 700, where the upper box component is removed (and not shown) and a portion of the lower surface 735 of the platform 740 is shown, along with the hinge device 750. A brace 737 to keep components (not shown) from sliding forward is also shown. A portion of the back panel 721 of the lower box component 720 is shown.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case 800. In this figure, one can see the side panel 806 of the upper box component 810 and the side panel 814 of the lower box component 820. The top panel 807 of the upper box component 810 is also shown. A plurality of latch assemblies 890 are also shown, along with a plurality of handle assemblies 895.

FIG. 9 shows a back view of a contemplated embodiment of the audio, computer and video component case 900. In this figure, one can see the back panel 908 of the upper box component 910 and the back panel 918 of the lower box component 920. A subopening 919 can be found in the back panel 918 that allows the user to access the case without removing the upper box component 910 or the front panels (not shown). The top panel 907 of the upper box component 910 is also shown. A latch assembly 990 is also shown.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a contemplated audio, computer and video component case 1000 without the upper box component shown. In this embodiment, the lower box component 1020 comprises an open top 1021, at least two side panels 1022, a back panel 1023, a front panel 1024 and a bottom panel 1025, wherein the bottom panel 1025 is coupled with at least one of the at least two side panels 1022, the back panel 1023, the front panel 1024 or a combination thereof. In this particular embodiment, there are additional side panels 1022 that are used as dividers to separate the lower box component 1020 into three distinct spaces 1026. There are some embodiments where a plurality of dividers are not necessary, such as with smaller component cases or with component cases that need larger spaces. Contemplated dividers may be permanently fixed inside the component case or may be removable, in order to make the case more versatile.

FIG. 10 also shows a platform 1040 for supporting an audio component, video component or a combination thereof (not shown), wherein the platform 1040 comprises an upper surface 1030 and a lower surface (not shown), wherein the platform 1040 is coupled to the lower box, the upper box or a combination thereof and wherein the platform is hingeably movable via hinge device 1050 to expose the lower surface of the platform. FIG. 11 shows the same component case with the platform 1040 being moved to expose the lower surface 1035 of the platform 1040. FIG. 12 shows the same component case after the platform 1040 has been hingeably moved to expose the lower surface of the platform 1035. Note that in FIG. 12, the upper surface of the platform 1040 is no longer visible.

As used herein, the phrase “hingeably movable” means that a first object is coupled to a second object through the use of a hinge device and the first object is movable with respect to the second object through the use of the hinge device. This concept is clearly shown in the progression of FIG. 10 to FIG. 12. It should be understood that “hingeably movable” doesn't always mean that the first object (the platform) is moved up and toward the back panel, as shown in FIGS. 10-12. In some embodiments, the first object (the platform) is moved up and sideways toward one of the side panels or up and to the front toward the front panel. This concept is kept simple through the understanding that the first object (the platform) moves with respect to the second object (the support system) by use of the hinge device, which couples the first object to the second object.

A contemplated support system for the platform is shown in several of the Figures disclosed herein. In these figures, the support system comprises a plurality of side supports and a back support system that work together to support the platform in all stages of use. In this embodiment, the hinge device couples the platform to the support system. In some embodiments, the support system may comprise the plurality of dividers and the front or back panel of the lower box component, instead of an entirely separate support system, as shown in FIGS. 10-12.

Several of the figures also show at least part of the at least one latch assembly comprising a latch and a latch receptacle, wherein the latch assembly is coupled to the lower box, the upper box or a combination thereof. As contemplated herein, latch assemblies are designed to attach the upper box component and the lower box component to one another, lock the component case or a combination thereof. The latch assemblies may comprise any suitable material, including metal, metal alloys, composite materials, plastics or other materials designed to be strong and non-corrosive.

FIGS. 1-9 shows one embodiment of a contemplated audio, computer and video component case, where the lower box component is deeper than that shown in FIGS. 10-12 and is not as wide. This embodiment contemplates that the lower box component may hold a plurality of audio and video components, including accessories and cables. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9 is interesting in that it can be expanded by including a plurality expansion components, such as removable side platforms, that can be used to hold other components, notes, media or other materials. These expansion components may be hingeably attached to the side panels of the lower box component in order to facilitate transport and storage. The expansion components may also removed and stored in the inside of the lower box component during transport.

Contemplated audio components and video components comprise at least one receiver, at least one amplifier, at least one speaker, at least one turntable, at least one compact disc or digital video disc player, at least one videotape player, at least one recording device, at least one mixing and/or sound device, at least one laptop or conventional computer device, at least one media drive or a combination thereof. Contemplated cases may also store and support at least one piece of support equipment, including records/LPs, paperwork, such as songlists, CDs, DVDs, videotapes, communication devices, such as telephones, walkie-talkies, cell phones, intercoms and other communication devices.

The lower box component, upper box component or a combination thereof may comprise a plurality of legs, wheels or a combination thereof to perform several functions, including a) facilitate transport during travel from performance to performance, b) facilitate transport during the performance from site to site, c) act as a component case stand when a table or other support isn't available. It is contemplated that the legs would perform the last function listed above, in that they could be retracted or folded down (similar to a folding table) and locked into place to support the component case. When retracted or removed, the legs could be easily stored inside the case or in a recess on the outside of the case.

The lower box component, upper box component or a combination thereof may also comprise at least one subopening panel that is entirely contained within the boundaries of that particular panel. In other words, the primary panel surrounds the sides of the at least one subopening panel. An example of this subopening panel is shown in FIG. 9, as mentioned earlier. These panels are meant to allow access to the inside of the case without taking the unit apart entirely. The at least one subopening panels may also comprise at least one latch assembly, wherein the latch assembly is coupled to the surrounding panel.

The materials for contemplated audio, video and computer component cases may include any suitable and durable material, including steel/metal plates, heavy duty cardboard, plywood or wood products, carpeting (inside of the case) or a combination thereof.

Thus, specific embodiments and applications of audio, computer and video component cases and their methods of production have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. 

1. An audio, computer and video component case, comprising: a lower box component having an open top, at least two side panels, a back panel, a front panel and a bottom panel, wherein the bottom panel is coupled with at least one of the at least two side panels, the back panel, the front panel or a combination thereof; an upper box component having an open bottom, at least two side panels, a back panel, a front panel and a top panel, wherein the top panel is coupled with at least one of the at least two side panels, the back panel, the front panel or a combination thereof; a platform for supporting an audio component, computer component, video component or a combination thereof, wherein the platform comprises an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the platform is coupled to the lower box, the upper box or a combination thereof and wherein the platform is hingeably movable to expose the lower surface of the platform; and at least one latch assembly comprising a latch and a latch receptacle, wherein the latch assembly is coupled to the lower box, the upper box or a combination thereof.
 2. The audio, computer and video component case of claim 1, further comprising a support system for supporting the platform.
 3. The audio, computer and video component case of claim 2, wherein the support system comprises a plurality of side supports, a back support, a front support or a combination thereof.
 4. The audio, computer and video component case of claim 2, wherein the support system is coupled to the platform by a hinge device.
 5. The audio, computer and video component case of claim 1, wherein the platform is coupled to one of the back panel, the side panels, the front panel of the lower box component by a hinge device.
 6. The audio, computer and video component case of claim 1, wherein at least some of the side panels are dividers.
 7. The audio, computer and video component case of claim 1, wherein the component case further comprises at least one expansion component.
 8. The audio, computer and video component case of claim 7, wherein the at least one expansion component comprises a side platform.
 9. The audio, computer and video component case of claim 1, further comprising at least one wheel, at least two legs or a combination thereof.
 10. The audio, computer and video component case of claim 1, wherein the audio component, video component, computer component or combination thereof comprises at least one receiver, at least one amplifier, at least one speaker, at least one turntable, at least one compact disc or digital video disc player, at least one videotape player, at least one recording device, at least one mixing and/or sound device, at least one laptop or conventional computer device, at least one media drive or a combination thereof.
 11. The audio, computer and video component case of claim 1, wherein the case also comprises storage for at least one piece of support equipment.
 12. The audio, computer and video component case of claim 11, wherein the at least one piece of support equipment comprises records/LPs, paperwork, CDs, DVDs, videotapes, communication devices, cables, connectors or combinations thereof.
 13. The audio, computer, and video component case of claim 12, wherein communication devices comprise telephones, walkie-talkies, cell phones, intercoms or a combination thereof.
 14. The audio, computer and video component case of claim 1, wherein the lower box component, upper box component or combination thereof comprises at least one subopening panel.
 15. The audio, computer and video component case of claim 14, where the at least one subopening panel comprises at least one latch assembly.
 16. The audio, computer and video component case of claim 1, wherein the case comprises any suitable and durable material, including steel/metal plates, heavy duty cardboard, plywood or wood products, carpeting (inside of the case) or a combination thereof. 